DoD News

News Article

Officials Meet With Afghans to Address Protesters' Concerns

American Forces Press Service

KABUL, Afghanistan, July 26, 2005  Afghan police and U.S. military leaders were scheduled to meet with local leaders today to address the concerns of several hundred Afghans who gathered outside the gate of the U.S. base at Bagram Airfield to protest a July 25 military operation by Afghan and U.S. forces.

The operation, which led to the arrest of eight individuals suspected of planning and conducting attacks against U.S. and Afghan forces, was conducted against a single compound near the base, officials said.

The military reported those detained had materials used to make improvised explosive devices in their possession, and are thought to be planning future attacks against coalition forces. Military officials also said Afghan and U.S. forces attempted to contact local leaders to involve them in the operation, but were unable to do so.

Afghan police and intelligence services were involved in the operation's planning and execution, officials noted.

There were no reports of injuries or death as a result of the operation or protest, they said.